- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The 35-year old Francois Beauchemin is a pending UFA and he hopes to remain with the team.
“It would be tough if I would have to leave, I’m not going to lie,” Beauchemin said. “I would love to finish my career here. A few more years. … It’s been our house. It’s been our home for 10 years. And the kids, they’re at school, they have their friends. They have sports and they have their routine going. So it would be really hard for us to move.
“Sometimes it’s part of the business. Sometimes teams want to go in another direction with some players. Hopefully that’s not the case with me.”
Beauchemin said there haven’t been any concrete talks with the Ducks on a new deal. Sense is the Ducks would like to bring him back.
- Katie Strang of ESPN: The Sabres are obviously sellers.Available: Chris Stewart and Cody Hodgson.Finances: $10 million in cap spaceScouting the GM: GM Tim Murray isn’t afraid to make a big deal.
- Katie Strang of ESPN: The Panthers could be both buyers and sellers. They’d like to move some contracts, and GM Dale Tallon wouldn’t mind improving his blueline.Available: Sean Bergenheim has requested a trade.Finances: They have about $2.5 million in cap space. That could increase if they move Tomas Kopecky, Scottie Upshall and Tomas Fleischmann.
Scouting the GM: Made some significant moves in the summer. Have a nice young core and has to keep the long-term in mind.
- David Pagnotta: Source close to the Devils said that as of yesterday Marek Zidlickly is “unlikely” to waive his no-trade clause. It’s still possible that he could change his mind later.
- David Pagnotta: Hearing that there are five teams that are seriously interested in Panthers Sean Bergenheim. He’s asked for a trade and will be dealt soon.
- Darren Dreger: The Canadiens, Flames and Penguins were interested in Cody Franson, but couldn’t match the Predators offer.